Was inspired to become an actor after seeing Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in the play "Picnic" on Broadway (1953).
Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series as Lieutenant K.C. Trench on the crime drama Harry O (1973).
Served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1961.
Has done regular two-month tours with Roscoe Lee Browne, reading lyric and dramatic verse in a production entitled "Behind the Broken Words" (1996).
Studied drama under the tutelage of Stella Adler in New York City.
Has performed a continuing project of Colorado writer, poet, and lyricist Joe Henry entitled "Prelude to Lime Creek," which he adapted for the stage (2000).
Has two children: Jared Lee Van and Janet Zerbe.
Attended and graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California.